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What are Natural Seizure Remedies?

Because they are inherently unanticipated, seizures often take a family and their pet by surprise, and yet seizures are one of the most frequently-occurring health issues found in dogs. A seizure can be just as frightening to experience as it is to witness and many pet-owners express helplessness when it comes to finding aid.

While medications can be prescribed by a veterinarian, some dog owners dislike the side effects that go with them. Due to this fact, natural or homeopathic remedies are becoming a popular option chosen by many pet owners. Any method or procedure is considered natural if it exclusively involves a tactic or source that is naturally occurring. A significant benefit of natural remedies is that they can be practiced in the comfort of one’s home.

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Natural Seizure Remedies Procedure in Dogs

There are several natural remedies and methods designed specifically to prevent or stop seizures in dogs, some of the more common and potentially most effective are:

Essential Fatty Acids

Pet owners and veterinarians alike recommend routinely introducing fatty acids into a dog’s diet. Omega-3 doses can be bought in pills, sprays, or oils. The recommended dosage varies by dog’s size, but one tablespoon per fifty pounds is standard. Several studies both on humans and dogs have shown that fatty acids are not proven to stop seizures, but may improve a patient’s seizure threshold (tendency to seize).

Dietary Changes

Dye used in foods are linked to causing seizures in dogs, particularly a dye called red dye 40. Pet owners should investigate dog foods and treats before trusting them. Several other foods are proven to be dangerous and toxic to dogs as well and could be causing seizures, such as onion, garlic, bell peppers, chocolate, or grapes.

Homeopathic Oils

Oils are a popular choice as they give a pet-owner the ability to administer medicine to their pet during a seizure. Due to the fact that seizures cause the jaw and teeth to clamp, attempting to give a dog medicine in the middle of a seizure is difficult or impossible. Natural oils can be rubbed into the skin or even on the gums of a seizing animal, giving them instant results and potentially ending their seizure and pain. Thus, homeopathic substances are another natural remedy to seizures, such as:

Belladonna

Aconite

Choline or Cholidin

Acupressure

Acupressure is said to help ease an animal’s tension during their seizure. For example, the pressure point at the base of a dog’s nose, right above their upper lip can be pressed, with moderate pressure, for up to a minute.

Ice Pack

Some seizures are caused due to overheating. In this case, an ice pack applied to the back of a seizing dog and gently rubbing it up and down their spine may help the seizure’s grip lessen more quickly.

Melatonin

In animals that experience night seizures, administering melatonin (the naturally-occurring chemical released by the brain to induce sleep) can help.

Honey

If a dog has diabetes or is hypoglycemic, a teaspoon of honey once or twice a day, depending on frequency or severity of seizures, is suggested.

Efficacy of Natural Seizure Remedies in Dogs

Every animal varies in their seizure threshold. A high threshold indicates an animal’s predisposition to not experience or frequently experience seizures, while a low threshold indicates the opposite. When it comes to treating seizures with natural remedies and methods, the most success gained will be with a dog whose seizure threshold is high.

In some cases, a dog’s heritage will predispose them to developing epilepsy. In this case, most veterinarians will prescribe medication in order to reach the desired result: pet experiences less severe seizures and less frequently. Therefore, the efficacy of natural remedies varies widely and is typically utilized as more of a preventative measure than a wholly-healing treatment.

Natural Seizure Remedies Recovery in Dogs

Due to the fact that natural remedies and methods do not require surgery or high doses of medication, there is no recovery period associated with the treatment itself.

Cost of Natural Seizure Remedies in Dogs

Most natural seizure remedies, such as homeopathic oils, essential fatty acid pills, and other natural medicines, like melatonin, can cost anywhere between $15 to $40 per bottle or package. However, it’s highly recommended by veterinarians that the root cause of seizures be determined before treating a dog with solely natural resources. Because seizures may be brought on by serious issues, such as, thyroid problems or even cancer, affected dogs should undergo a rigorous exam to determine the source of its seizures.

In most cases, the cause of seizures can be determined by blood work. This will typically cost anywhere between $150 to $300. Sometimes a veterinarian will recommend additional tests, especially if the blood work comes back normal and seizures continue. At this juncture, a veterinarian team may perform a CT scan on the animal, which can cost anywhere between $500 to $1,000 depending on the size of the dog as well as its need for sedation during the procedure.

Dog Natural Seizure Remedies Considerations

Any of these natural remedies for dogs can be helpful, but it’s important to note that the cause of a dog’s seizures will determine their risk level. Any animal experiencing long or frequent seizures should see a veterinarian immediately. Natural remedies are designed to help lessen frequency or severity of seizures, not alleviate them. Extreme cases may require prescribed medication to avoid long-term brain damage in the dog.

Natural Seizure Remedies Prevention in Dogs

Seizure prevention can be a tricky science as there are many reasons for their occurrence, but any of the following steps can be taken to help prevent and/or ease the severity or duration of a seizure:

Seek a veterinarian’s advice

A dog that experiences seizures, whether the episodes are frequent or infrequent, should be taken to a medical professional and undergo a series of tests. This is always the first step in helping an epileptic animal.

Know dietary needs

The elimination of toxic and seizure-inducing foods from a dog’s diet is the surest method of preventing seizures. Similarly, a pet owner should know any allergies of their pet, as seizures may occur as a bodily response to exposure.

Avoid overheating

Dogs will pant heavily when they are uncomfortably hot. Pet owners should avoid exposing their dogs to long walks in high temperatures or leaving them in cramped, hot spaces or outside without water or shade.

Introduce homeopathic products

Many natural herbs and plants aim to calm tension in the body, making them great aides to pets during a seizure attack.

Natural remedies are not cited as the most reliable treatment for seizures in dogs by veterinarians, but rather as preventative measures that may help. In the end, a dog who is on a healthy, routine diet, free of toxins or any foods they may be allergic to, as well as not put in situations that could lead to overheating (left in a hot car or backyard without shade, taken on a long walk on a hot day, etc.) is less likely to develop severe seizures.

We have a 4 y/o lab named Millie. She started seizure about a month ago. We have had her to the vet, did blood and urine, everything was negative. We have since started doing homework but there is a plethora of info out there. We started her on a new diet Purina Pro neuro (designed for dogs who have seizures, we are giving her Milk Thistle and I have started making homemade treats. We have been giving her honey post idis, but she is ravenous!! We really would like to do a more homeopathic approach first before pharmaceutical. what do you think of CBD oil for dogs with seizure issues.

4 days, 2 hours ago

Millie's Owner

Dr. Michele King, DVM

1078Recommendations

I personally have not seen a dog with seizures respond to anything other than medical treatment, but there may be others who have had success. If her seizures are frequent or severe, it may be better to start her on medication, then try to wean her down if you decide to try alternate therapies. Since your veterinarian has seen her and knows her situation, you can also discuss this with them, as they may have had different experiences than I have. I hope that Millie is okay.

4 days, 2 hours ago

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Molly

West Highland White Terrier

4 Years

Serious condition

0 found helpful

Serious condition

Hi, my 4 year old west highland terrier has begun to have seizures. She had one in the morning yesterday and we took her to the vet to get blood tests done. Her bloods are normal so the vet has begun her on epilepsy medication (Pexion). A few hours later she took a cluster seizure of 4 and we used the rectum diazepam then rushed her back to the vet. They then gave her Keppra to take every 6 hours. Her postical behaviour has been unbelievable hard to watch, from 10pm last night she paced around the room continuously, whining and crying. It got to 1am and we phoned the vet as it was unbareable to watch how unsettled and upset she was. They gave her a seditave to let her sleep which only worked for 2 hours, she was then up again whining and crying and back into pacing uncontrollably. We took her back to the vet this morning and they gave her another seditave to hopefully let her rest and get her brain to relax once she woke up again. She has woken up and is back to her stressful pacing and whining. Does anyone know of anything to calm her anxiety down? And is this normal? How long could this pacing go on for? I don’t know if this is normal I’m worried that the seizures have caused brain damage.

1 month, 1 week ago

Molly's Owner

Dr. Michele King, DVM

1078Recommendations

Seizures can be very hard on dogs, and on the people that love them. Given what you are describing, it might be best to have Molly hospitalized until she is more stable and managed. if your veterinarian is not able to hospitalize her and monitor her, there might be a 24 hour hospital near you that may be able to provide this service. It can take time for medications to work, and the side effects can be dramatic. i hope that she is okay.

1 month ago

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Scamp

Border Collie

3 Years

Serious condition

0 found helpful

Serious condition

Has Symptoms

Cluster seizures

I have a male 3 year old border collie that has cluster seizures and is 3 different medications. He was having seizures every week and every few months will need emergency treatment to stop the clusters. He has gone 3 weeks after the introduction of phenobarb but had to have emergency treatment as he continued to cluster after insertion of diazepam. My question is will a homeopathic medication help

2 months, 1 week ago

Scamp's Owner

Dr. Michele King, DVM

1078Recommendations

Thank you for your email. Without knowing which medications Scamp is on, it is difficult for me to comment on what additional therapies might help. It seems unlikely, however, that a homeopathic medication will help where proven anti-seizures are not. It would be worthwhile discussing this with your veterinarian, as they are aware of Scamp's history and medications. I hope that he does well.

2 months, 1 week ago

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Bubbas

pugchi

20 Years

Serious condition

0 found helpful

Serious condition

Has Symptoms

siezure type behavior

i have a pug that is approx 20 yrs old he just started having siezures he has had 2 in as many weeks i am on SSI and don't have finances to take him to vet can you tell me if there is any programs that will help me i live in Sacramento,ca.arden/arcade area

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Bubbas's Owner

Dr. Michele King, DVM

1078Recommendations

Thank you for your email. Many clinics offer a 'free first exam' that you may be able to take advantage of to have Bubbas seen, to determine if there are any treatment options for him. If the seizures are short, a minute or two, and don't become more frequent or severe, he may not require treatment, but a veterinarian can examine him and determine whether he will or not. I hope that he is okay.